On the Ball: News from LI Happy Holidays! Eastern Section Honors

Volume 3, Issue 4 USTA Eastern Long Island

December 2014 On The Ball: News From LI Happy Holidays! Eastern Section Honors

The USTA Eastern Section will honor several Long Islanders at its Awards Dinner on Saturday, January 31, 2015. The

Section will recognize “greatness not only in attitude, but also in performance and dedication.” GOT NEWS? Information about attending the awards dinner as well as the Eastern Section Annual Meeting is available at Email us at: www.eastern.com. Please join us in congratulating these deserving honorees! ustaonlongisland

@gmail.com Long Island Adult Honorees are:

Tennis Woman of the Year Kathy Miller INSIDE Regional Volunteer of the Year (Long Island) Bob Coburn Bob Coburn P. 2-3 USTA League Kathy Miller 10 & Under Tennis Award Tito Perez Teams Compete at Na- tionals Jr. Team Tennis Award Pat Mosquera Ron Smyth Parent Sportsmanship Award Sean Hannity P. 3 Remembering

Susan Alvy and Al 2014 LI Junior Awardees are: Sean Hannity Kaplan Richard D. Lynch II Boys' 12 Sportsmanship Award P. 4 Jokers Take On Tito Perez Ian Kaish Bethpage Lawrence A. Miller Girls' 16 Sportsmanship Award P. 5 Kids Serving Kids Esther Chikvashvili

P. 6 Girls’ High School Pat Mosquera Tennis Recap Seeking Nominees Coming Soon The 25th Annual USTA Long Island To nominate your selections for these For details on LI tennis Region Awards Dinner is fast awards, please visit events, visit approaching! www.longisland.usta.com and click on Annual Awards Dinner. www.longisland.usta.com. Mark your calendars — May 6, 2015 at the Crest Hollow Country Club — for 1/30-31, 2015: Eastern Tennis what promises to be a fabulous event Conference and Awards Cere- recognizing all of the hard work, mony volunteerism and strong tennis play Volunteers of the Year, Tennis Family that make Long Island the best tennis of the year and much more. Also being 5/6/2015: 25th Annual LI community. recognized will be USTA League teams, high school tennis players and high- Region Awards Dinner Nominations are now open for the achieving adult and junior players. awards, which include Lifetime Achievement, Adult and Junior On The Ball: News from LI

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Tennis for Teens: Rikers Island USTA Leagues: LI Teams Head to Nationals USTA Long Island Region board members and pros from Sportime’s John McEnroe Tennis Academy TEAM SUMO CITRUS there by organizing fundraisers and raffles and designing sweatshirts to joined forces to run the first Team Sumo Citrus, captained by sell. -ever tennis clinic at the Michelle Stoerback and Diann Starcke Juvenile Jail at the Rikers “I hope those that are deserving get and coached by Tina Buschi, swept its to experience (Nationals) at least Island Correctional Center. flight at Nationals 4-0. The team once in their lives. Every team is reached the semi-final and ended in Team Sumo Citrus, 18+ Rikers Deputy Chief Greg thrilled to be there and (the players) 4th place. Women 4.0 Kings Park McLaughlin and Warden are so nice. You find yourself James Perrino coordinated After Stoerbeck became League applauding good points for other teams and giving high fives to this effort with LI Region Director at Sportime Kings Park last winter, Stoerback says she met strangers. That's really what it's all Buschi, Sportime’s Adult Director, TEAM CAMACHO about.” and the two worked together to form “It was an incredible experience getting Team Members are: (photo, top row, a team made up of tennis friends to play at Nationals,” said Andrew from left) Adam Jaskowski, Terry from Sportime. “Our leadership, Camacho, tennis coordinator/league Kossegi, and Casey friendship, shared love of the game director at Long Beach Tennis Schnabel. (Bottom row, from left) and competitive spirit unified this Center. “Just the beauty of the Andrew Camacho, Cristina Camacho, team,” Stoerback said. To raise scenery and the background made it so Lori D'Antonio, Nancy Wisniewski and money for the trip to Nationals, the special. Our team, and most others, team organized a fundraising event, Paul Schnabel. had issues with it being so cold for the Board Member Bob Coburn. Oktober-Tennis-Fest. We had over 150 morning matches. So we didn't start It took many months to clear people attend and we raised $7,500.” out how we wanted to but we picked it the way for this event to During practices, Stoerback said, right up and swept our next two take place. “This was a wish “the team focused on its positive matches… In our final match, we for a long time and only team mentality. Despite living in needed to win one more court to win came about because of our different places ... members have our flight. Instead, we … finished 4th terrific volunteers and the become close friends.” in the flight. It's crazy to be that close to finishing 1st and then getting great leaders at Rikers who Team members are (photo, from left): knocked to 4th… realized the benefits of Tina Buschi (coach), Connie offering tennis to their Insignares, Erin Anderson Katzman, “The highlight had to be winning the Team Camacho, 18+ inmates,” Coburn said of the Nicole Tavernier, Maritoni Carlos, 8.0 Captain's Sportsmanship Award,” Mixed 8.0 Long Beach event, in which many boys Marie Woitach, Stacy Fleischman, Camacho said. “It was a real Diann Starcke (co-captain), Sue honor. We received a big banner for participated. The LI Region Bacey, Halle Turk, Sharon Erb, the club. And you can't win that kind of also donated new racquets Michelle Stoerback (co-captain) and award without an awesome team of and balls to the facility. Debbie Polen. Not pictured: Joanne people behind you. Lori D'Antonio, Discussions are underway to Flatley, Andrea Trapani, Carole Quinn, especially, helped out so much behind develop an ongoing tennis Patty Serpe, Pilar Medina and the scenes to make sure we program at this facility. Christine Klouda. represented our section really well. She also helped get our team Volume 3, Issue 4 Page 3

Head to National Championships Remembering USTA Leagues: Susan Alvy & Al Kaplan LI Teams Head to Nationals

3.0 team out of Eastern Athletic Blue TEAM SOTOMAYOR Team Sotomayor, 18+ Mixed 7.0, Christopher Morley Point captained by Jen Suh- McCormack and the 55+ 7.0 team out of Point Set captained by Ann Susan H. Alvy, 67, passed According to Team Captain Darlene McGrath. away in November. Manag- Sotomayor: “Our 6.0 mixed doubles er of Rockville Racquet Club Interested to taking your tennis to team out of Christopher Morley came for 20 years until her re- the next level? Consider joining a in 2nd place in our flight. Our players tirement at the end of 2012, USTA League team. League teams fought hard and the competition was Alvy received the Hy Zaus- play at all levels and represent very strong as was expected. We met ner Lifetime Achievement member clubs across Long Island. award from the USTA LI a lot of nice people and made new Deena Mavroudis, Allie Spector, Not sure what team to join? Visit Region in 2013 in recogni- friends. A good time was had by all.” Shanon Blue, Marley Spector www.longisland.usta.com or email tion of her lifetime of and Maria Gonzales. Team members are: (photo, back row, USTA Long Island Leagues achievement both on and Coordinator Kathy Miller at off the tennis court. Under from left): Terrence Donohue, Steven More Sectional Success Waters, Gary Spector, Shaun Willis and [email protected]. her leadership, Rockville Adam Moramarco; (front, from left): Additional teams that represented Racquet received the LI Region’s Special Community Todd Greenwald, Darlene Sotomayor, the Section at Nationals are the 18+ Service Award for opening its doors to the community for hot showers, cell phone Celebrating 5o Years of Tennis in charging and Wi-Fi access in the aftermath of super Roosevelt storm Sandy. Friends of the late Al Kaplan What do actors and comedians Eddie Murphy (Trading Places, Beverly Hills Cop) and Steve recently held a luncheon in White (Do the Right Thing, Coming to America), and tennis pros Hemel Megahni Cosme and memory of the former John Cosme (Alley Pond Tennis Center) have in common? Baldwin Park Recreation Director of 44 years who All grew up in Roosevelt and learned to play tennis through the Alliance Junior Tennis passed away earlier this th Development Program, Inc., which will celebrate its 50 anniversary this month with a year. Hempstead Town dinner at Roosevelt High School. Councilman Anthony J. Santino and Nassau County Alliance Junior Tennis was created and continues to be led by local tennis pioneer and advocate Ms. Emily Moore, its Legislator Laura Curran executive director. The program uses tennis as a vehicle for change and progress in the community, by primarily sup- made presentations to Mr. porting and developing children from ages 4-18 through an annual Kaplan’s wife, Irene. summer tennis camp and year-round weekend programs. Alliance kids play tennis at the Rev. Arthur Mackey Sr. Park in Roosevelt, Susan and Al will be sorely which has seen thousands of children pass through the program missed. over the years. In 1988, tennis great Arthur Ashe honored Ms. Moore with his Jun- ior Tennis Development Award. She received the Hy Zausner Life- time Achievement Award from the USTA LI Region in 2006.

Congratulations to Ms. Moore and Alliance Junior Tennis on their golden anniversary. On The Ball: News from LI

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USTA Grant Recap: Jokers Take on Bethpage LIFTALL This past September, Bethpage Park This past summer, the Long club) was a perfect location.” Kaplan Topspin Pro Shop, Karen Camhi and Beach Martin Luther King Tennis Center made its nationwide asked around and “it seemed like every her daughter, Sara, a college student, (MLK) Youth Center added television debut on TruTV’s kid said ‘Oh my god, that’s my favorite and Long Island Tennis Magazine’s tennis to its children’s “Impractical Jokers.” For those who show.’“ The show’s premise – three Andrew Berman. programming through the LI may not know the show, it’s a hidden- comedians giving instruction via hidden Foundation for Tennis And camera practical joke reality series The show’s production team took earpiece to the fourth, who in this case Learning, Ltd. (LIFTALL). that follows the pranks of four over all of the club’s courts on LIFTALL used a USTA LI PISE was playing the tennis pro – resulted in comedians – Joe, Sal, Q and Murr – filming day, and Bethpage Park’s grant to launch free or some funny segments in which the junior players were thrilled to spend and some unsuspecting strangers. affordable tennis and related tennis pro was told to touch the player the day pretending to play tennis while actually watching every skill development and In the case of Bethpage Park Tennis, iwith the racket and to make various training programs in needy moment being filmed and waiting the comedians took to the courts to noises when serving, among other eagerly for the end of shooting to serve up some things. meet the stars and take pictures. seriously personal All the participants were good sports tennis lessons. about the whole thing. Kaplan says he According to Steve invited several recreational players to Kaplan, owner, “I got the club for the filming in June. He told LI communities including a phone call in April from the show’s them he was considering hiring new Long Beach. An additional LI pros and wanted their opinions. Region grant helped the production team. They thought (our group with its fall season Included were Flo Levin, owner of programming. A Quick History of Nassau County’s The grants allowed LIFTALL to provide the MLK Center QuickStart Program with free tennis instruction and play for children ages 5- The Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation & Museums held its first QuickStart Tennis Day Program in 2008. 15. Chuck Russell created Each summer up to 1,500 participants enjoy the one-day event offered for a period of two hours at seven parks: LIFTALL’s tennis program. Cantiague, Cow Meadow, Eisenhower, Nickerson Beach, North Woodmere, Reverend Arthur Mackey Sr. and Wantagh. “By using the USTA 10U The program is open to the public and provides free tennis lessons to curriculum and modified children 12 and under. Participants are told to wear tennis shoes or racquets, balls, nets, sneakers; tennis rackets are made available for use. Tennis instruc- scoring, etc., we were able tion is available to camps, non-profits and special needs groups. The to get everyone playing Girl Scouts of Nassau County have participated since 2008; other games and having fun participants include Alliance Junior Development, Inc. and the JCC of quickly,” Russell said, adding the Greater Five Towns Special Needs Camp. Tennis Racquets For that volunteers are always Kids, Inc. (www.tennisracquetsforkids.blogspot.com) has donated needed including students hundreds of rackets to the program annually and continues to provide tennis rackets to children in the Roosevelt com- seeking community service munity to keep and take home. hours. For more information, The USTA, USTA Eastern Section, USTA LI Region and the USPTA supply the equipment, pros and volunteers. Next year’s please contact Russell at program is scheduled for July 13, 2015 . [email protected]. Volume 3, Issue 4 Page 5

Kids Serving Kids

At its most recent meeting, the USTA week for six weeks. The group also programming. Drop-off bins are LI Region Board was treated to a donated rackets, nets, balls, ball located at Christopher Morley presentation by three Manhasset High hoppers and sport cones to the Tennis Center, Manhasset High

School tennis players who have program. Said Holweger, “In School and Strathmore Vanderbilt accomplished a tremendous amount in addition to learning the basics of Country Club. For more information Happy their effort to bring tennis to tennis, the children received a or to arrange a drop off at a underprivileged children. weekly take-home packet containing different location, please contact information covered that week on Kids Serving Kids Long Island at Holidays Matt Holweger launched the Long the court, a tennis word puzzle, [email protected]. Island Chapter of Kids Serving Kids coloring page and a mentorship (www.kidsservingkids.com). He, along message on topics including the from with Courtney Connors, Brooke DiGia, importance of healthy eating, Brett Weisberg and several others, exercise, being a good sport and collected gently used tennis respecting your opponent.” the equipment. So far they have collected more than 170 tennis rackets and In presenting their work to the LI other equipment as well as more than Region Board, Holweger, DiGia and usta $1,500 in donations to support their Weisberg said plans are underway efforts. to continue the Manhasset summer tennis program in 2015 as well as to The group’s inaugural program was a long launch a new program at the Glen free tennis clinic at the Manhasset Cove Boys and Girls Club this Equal Opportunity Center Summer spring. Program. This program served 95 at- island risk children ages 5-13, with Kids The group is seeking new and gently Serving Kids providing tennis used tennis rackets and equipment instruction, drills and games twice a as well as donations to help fund its region

President’s Year-End Message

Dear Long Island Regional Volunteers and Member Organizations,

Thank you for your cooperation, participation and hard work growing the game in 2014. Your efforts are very much appreciated by everyone who enjoys tennis on Long Island.

Our focus in the new year will be on expanding tennis opportunities for kids, the future of the sport. We encourage you to pay extra attention to programming for children, including Junior Team Tennis, which is a great way to get newcomers and those with experience excited about playing. Please contact me with any questions about starting a Junior Team Tennis Program. The LI Region and our volunteer board members can support your efforts to add junior programming in many ways, including helping you identify and apply for USTA grants.

Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season and a joyous New Year, Daniel Burgess

(516) 343-5957 * [email protected] On The Ball: News from LI

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Long Island Girls Are Tops at States

Locals Win Singles and Lin (William Floyd), Risha Malhotra Floyd and Danah Han/Nikaylah Wil- (Syosset), Celeste Matute (Oyster liams (3), Half Hollow Hills West. Doubles Titles Bay), Courtney Provan (Half Hollow Hills West), Vanessa Scott (Half Hollow

Hills East) and Nikaylah Williams (Half Long Island high school tennis play- Hollow Hills West). Nassau County ers took home the gold in singles and As always, the USTA LI Region Board doubles at the New York State Public Singles: Taylor Cosme (1), Herricks, Suffolk Doubles High School Athletic Association was pleased to provide each of the Alex Koniaev (2), Locust Valley and girls with a sweatshirt commemorat- (NYSPHSAA) Tennis Championships Shanice Arthur (3), Jericho. which took place in Latham, NY during the first weekend in November. Doubles: Courtney Kowalsky & Celeste Matute (1), Oyster Bay, Katie Cirella & Half Hollow Hills East High School’s Risha Malhotra (2), Syosset and Made- Ester Chikvashvili (a junior who will line Clinton & Amanda Foo (3), Man- be graduating this year) won the hasset. state singles title, while Oyster Bay’s Courtney Kowalsky & Celeste Matute Suffolk Singles won the doubles crown. Chikvashvili, Congratulations to all the girls on a the fifth seed, defeated third-seeded ing their time at States. very successful 2014 season. Nassau Singles Tomo Iwasaki of Edgemont High School in the finals. Herricks’ Taylor Cosme came in third and medaled, as did Alex Koniaev of Locust Valley HS, who took fourth place in a match LI Team at States against fellow Long Islander Jackie 2014 High School Ten- Bukzin from Eastport-South Man- nis Tournament Results or. In the doubles final, Kowalsky & Matute defeated Sydney Kaplan & Suffolk County Courtney Ollis of Suffern. As they had done all tournament long, the Singles: Courtney Provan (1), Half Oyster Bay pair did not lose a set, Hollow Hills West, Ester Chikvashvili winning the championship 6-4, 6-4. (2), Half Hollow Hills East and Jackie The complete team representing Bukzin (3) Eastport South Manor. Nassau and Suffolk Counties was: Shanice Arthur (Jericho), Jackie Doubles: Stephanie Chikvashvili/ Bukzin (Eastport-South Manor), Ester Vanessa Scott (1), Half Hollow Hills Chikvashvili (Half Hollow Hills East), East, Kelci Henn/Lisa Lin (2), William Stephanie Chikvashvili (Half Hollow Hills East), Katie Cirella (Syosset), Madeline Clinton (Manhasset), Taylor Cosme (Herricks), Amanda Foo (Manhasset), Danah Han (Half Hollow Hills West), Kelci Henn (William NY State Champs: Ester Chikvashvili, Floyd), Alex Koniaev (Locust Valley), Celeste Matute and Courtney Kowalsky Courtney Kowalsky (Oyster Bay), Lisa Nassau Doubles

Around the Region...

Turkey Tourney Care- meet weekly versity, and Julia Elbaba (Oyster free Racquet Club to work out, Bay), University of Virginia. Ru- teamed up with USTA run and do a bin and Elbaba each won singles Long Island and USTA variety of matches to lead the United Metro to host the 1st sports. The States to a 4-1 victory over host Annual Thanksgiving tennis pro- France in the final… Places to Throwdown Women's gram was a Play Looking for a place to Doubles Round Robin smash. The play? If you visit tournament (photo at right). All school now hopes to conduct www.longisland.usta.com and proceeds went to Island Harvest more tennis clinics and possibly click on Tennis Resources, Mem- Food Bank… Great Grants compete with other schools. ber Organizations, you’ll find an The USTA’s 2015 Multicultural Commack’s tennis coaches ran interactive map of Long Island Grant applications are now the clinic along with some tennis showing you every club in Nas- available; they must be submit- team members… College sau and Suffolk along with their ted to the National Diversity & Champs For the 4th straight address, phone number and web Inclusion office no later than year and the 5th time in the last site. It’s a quick and easy way to January 7, 2015. Grants include six years, Team USA won the find the Diversity & Inclusion, Organiza- Master'U BNP Paribas Cham- closest ten- tion, Equipment/Facility, Event/ pionships, an international nis courts to Workshops, Parks & Recreation, team challenge featuring the your home, Programming and USTA Serves. top collegiate players from business or For information, please visit eight countries — Belgium, anywhere www.longisland.usta.com… China, France, Germany, you plan to Commack Clinic Commack Great Britain, Ireland, Russia be! High School recently added ten- and the U.S. Leading the team nis to its "Athletics for All" pro- to victory were Noah Rubin gram. Program participants (Merrick), Wake Forest Uni-

USTA Eastern Long Island

Like us on Facebook: USTA Long Island We are committed to the promotion and growth of tennis, the "lifetime sport," for people of all ages and abilities to play and enjoy the game. To subscribe to On the Ball: News from LI, Through the efforts of volunteers, USTA staff and strategic partners, we please send your email address to: are dedicated to the highest standards of integrity, honesty and ethics in developing tennis programs in local communities throughout Long Is- [email protected] land. Our mission will be served by having our youth, our adults and corporate partners enjoy the "sport for a lifetime."

Visit us on the web at: On The Ball: News From LI is published quarterly by the USTA Eastern Long www.longisland.usta.com Island Region. Written and produced by Jacki Binder. Edited by Michael Pavlides. Founded by Daniel Burgess.